{creating myself}

welcome fall.

I've already talked about saying goodbye to summer,
but I didn't mention the real reason summer's end
doesn't quite upset me.

 

F A L L .

I know I talk about it every year, but I can't get enough of Fall.
The crisp, cool air. Boots. The leaves changing colors. Warm, neutral colors. Cozy blankets and socks. Boots. The smell of Christmas in the air. Apple cider candles. Scarves and sweaters. BOOTS.

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with Fall.
Until winter comes along.
and then I'll be obsessed with that too.

are you comfortable with yourself?

For a long time, I was.

First I started to feel uncomfortable in my clothes.
They were tight.

and then I started to feel uncomfortable going out with my friends.
I felt unsexy.

and then I started to feel unhealthy.
I was eating whatever I wanted and not getting to the gym as often due to my crazy new work schedule (excuses, excuses.)

I'm generally a good eater and I exercise intuitively, meaning when I feel the need or desire, I do it.
I could blame my unmanageability on work, or stress, or any of that stuff.
But the truth is I relapsed. I lost the care and the drive to be who I know I am.

a healthy, comfortable, sexy, active woman.

I needed a jump start. So I picked up this book in Barnes&Noble and I read it. and I liked it. I read online accounts like this one and this one. and I felt inspired. So I tried it.

It's 5 weeks later and I'm down almost 12 pounds. I wish I could say that I feel a lot different, but I don't. My clothes are definitely more comfortable, and my confidence is good. But I am frustrated because I want immediate results. I keep telling myself slow weight loss is sustainable weight loss.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them, and if you have any tips or ideas I'd be happy to read them! :)

 

This is a "before" picture. I know it may not look like it here (these are the only recent full body shots I have), but I had 22 pounds to lose. I'm halfway there! Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration and strong, beautiful women.

getmeouttahere.

I've been home from NY for just over a week
but I've the itch to get away again
already.

list : things i'm working on.

Things I Used To Do
and/or Things I Currently Do
that I'm Attempting To Change:

• eat the wrong things
• eat at the wrong times
• overexert myself
• feel guilty
• be afraid to see the good in people
• be blinded by the good in people
• want too much too soon
• question faith
• be too hard on myself
• keep friends around who don't make me a better person
• be unaccepting of my flaws
• intellectualize everything
  
  
   
  

list : things i don't miss.

It seemed only fair to counteract yesterday's list.

Things I used to do that I'm glad I don't anymore:

• overbook my schedule
• blog every day*
• live dollar to dollar.
• waste my time on stupid boys
• sleep 5-hour nights
• art shows every or every other weekend
• finish a book I don't like, just to finish it
• write papers about topics that don't interest me
• work at a restaurant and allow it to negatively impact every aspect of my life
  
  * you can read more about this here

list : things i miss.

Things I used to do that I wish I still did :

• scrapbook a lot
• exercise daily
• leave work at work
• get excited
• paint more
• create new products for my shop
• read every day
• visit friends more
• see live music
• sleep through the night
• be fearless
  
  
  I think I just need a pick me up. I'm going to try some journaling as an attempt to hoist myself back on the balance beam... I'll let you know how this works out.
  
  

celebration!

Yesterday was my 25th birthday.

I know. Twenty Five.
To some of you, that may seem youngy young. But to me, 25 is old. When we're little, we have this idea of what we think life will be like at certain ages *.

and then we grow up.

But I'm not sad about 25 :)
I'm excited. All the possibilities! There is still so much I want to do with my life, and I have no excuses but to get. started.

I'm also proud.
I'm actually doing what I love... what I feel like I was meant to do. How many 20, 30, 60 year olds can say that?!

Cheers to a year full of wonderment, goal-setting, & possibilities.


* My 14 year old brother things I'm barren.

-----

Yesterday was such a great day. I am so blessed to have family, friends, and co-workers that treat me this well! Some highlights...

 

 

 

 


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Celebrate with me!

25% off everything in the shop this week... use code CELEBRATE to save.

 

+via

three day weekends

make my heart swell.

I have big plans for this weekend that include a little of this...



a lot of this...

 

some cleaning of this...

 


and hopefully getting a massage, taking a long bath, setting up my new apple tv (thanks to the secret admirer who read this blog post and sent me my very first birthday present aka mom)...

I will also probably do some party hearty-ing on Memorial Day in the Keys... kinda similar to last weekend...

 

have a wonderful three days! <3

oh, amy, it's your birthday *

I began this post with the intention of adding to it over time and then publishing it in a few weeks, but I just realized that MY BIRTHDAY IS IN ONE MONTH TWO WEEKS. I'm floored by this fact. I wish I could slow time down, just for a little bit, and just LIVE a little more. and then I remember, oh yeah, this IS you living, Amy. Waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth and slipping into heels and helping people and leaving a path of clothes on the way to the bathtub and meeting a friend for coffee and sliding between the sheets at bedtime, this. is. your. life.

Sometimes it's just necessary to stop and think about this.

I guess I'll get on with the main point of the post (although maybe that was it??)

-----

Here are some lovely things I would like to unwrap on June 8th :

 

apple TV (yesss unlimited Netflix.)

 
 

black TOMS (I fear mine are beyond repair.)

 

smashbox photo finish
 
headboard from Ikea.

 

preeetty watch.

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I would also really like to go home and visit my family. I don't know how feasible that one is. But it's at the top of my list ** :]

 

 

* this is a lyric from my favorite childhood birthday song,
tied only with "Jump Jump" by KrisKross.

** edited to add : I just found out that my mom is coming to visit me for my birthday weekend. I'm sorry I ruined the surprise (I know her too well) but wow! I'm so happy! this is the best gift ever! :)

taking a moment from my crazybusy world...

to come up for air and say Hello.

 
+via

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I got a new job this week (YAY!) working as a clinical therapist at Wayside House, a treatment and recovery psychiatric center. So far, so GREAT! I love it here. I'm just overwhelmed with a ton of new things for this week. I can't wait to really get in the swing of things and start following with patients- the best part of the job! For those of you who have been asking, I studied undergraduate psychology and education at FSU and got my masters in mental health counseling at FAU.

It's pretty amazing/rare that I am actually working in my field of study. I literally wake up each morning excited, and go to sleep each night (exhausted and) feeling like I've made a difference. To say 'I've found my calling' is such a loaded statement, but it's that feeling you get when you know that you're doing what you were meant to do.

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For the time being (and hopefully forever!) Peace, Love, & Cupcakes will remain up and running. I vow to try and still bring you fresh products and creative ideas over on the blog too. I'll have to schedule some studio time for myself, lord knows that by the end of the week, I'll need it :)

♥ amy

goal checkin.

I realize that we are ten days into April, but I believe in better late than never.

I plan to accomplish the following in April...

- Successfully begin a NEW JOB! (more on this later...)
- Make a major credit card payment (well, if I can do the first, I can certainly do the second.)
- Read three books. I'm stepping up my game this month from two to three. It will probably be The Hunger Games, Labor Day, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
- Completely finish making my new apartment a home. If you follow me on twitter, you know this one won't be easy. Let's just say my neighbors suck.
- Stay healthy. Sleep 8+ hours a night. After being so sick for most of March, it's really important to me to keep my immune system high.
- Meet first running goal : 2 miles. I hate running.
- Be totally prepared for 2 major shows, the next Indie Craft Bazaar on the 17th and Art Rock on May 7th.
- Back up computer. I've been trying to do this every 1-2 months. It's so easy & necessary.
- Finally get my taxes done. Yes, I'm that girl.

GO!

sunday funday

I just wrote an entire post and then my computer died and I lost it. It was long. and good. I'm going to try not to get discouraged even though it is my first instinct to throw this thing out the window. just kidding mac baby.

Basically, I feel like I'm out of touch with my blog readers. I blame this mostly on typepad, who refuses to fix my comment issue. I only partly blame myself, since I used to post almost daily and now I post about once a week. I'm not apologizing for this, or asking for forgiveness. One of my resolutions for the new year was to say no more, and this includes letting go.

Let go of the pressure to post daily.
Let go of the expectations of comments.
Let go and remember why I started blogging in the first place-- to share my artwork, journal about life, and make some friends.

and that's that about that.

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In other news...
I've spent most of my time recently just settling into my new apartment, which includes LOTS of unpacking laundry, cleaning laundry, putting away laundry, hanging things, goodwill runs, dumpster runs (who knew one person could accumulate so much TRASH?!) etc.etc.
In the midst of all this, I've been supersick. So throw in a lot of nights with my bankie watching bad TV, pill popping, tea, 3 hour naps in the middle of the day, and supposedly soothing bubble baths.

It's been an up and down kind of month.

PS.... I finished a hugely large project today.... any guesses as to what it is? I'll give you a hint....

[hi!] jacked.

I've always believed in a good prompt pickmeup when I'm in a blogging rut, which I've so obviously been experiencing over the past month or so. It's not that there are a lack of things to post about (at all!) It's just a mixture between being innundated with things to do (mainly the move) and also being overwhelmed with the amount of posting options that turns me off blogging. Enough about that.

The point before I was so insanely sidetracked with disclaimers (ewww I hate disclaimers) was that I jacked this prompt list from Lizzy and will therefore be sharing some personal info with you. & now I feel like it took me way too long to say that.

----

praying for: i'm more of a "goal setter and do-er" than a pray-er. But if I were to wish for work towards something, it would be better time management, more creative time, and more energy.
wearing: ripped jeans and an FSU hoodie. it's Sunday!

working on: a new blog layout with Amy

eating: turkey on whole wheat, mmm my fave.

dreaming of: riding a bicycle down a sidestreet in Florence with a Zac Efron look-alike. Did I just type that out loud?

realizing: moving isn't the worst thing in the world. it's like a test of strength.

impatiently waiting: for my new home to be unpacked and cleaned up

anticipating: going on vacation with my friends in may

loving: the view from my apartment terrace at sundown (see past post)

stalking: myself. I promise I'm not on the Charlie Sheen drug, I just like to do self-inventories to assure myself that I'm being the best me.
feeling: sad that my mom left to go back to NY after spending the week with me

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happy 14th birthday to michael & alexa.
you're the sweetest brother and sister a gal could ask for.

living

This is me.

Tired, overwhelmed, surrounded by boxes. After two full weeks of packing&purging, it's finally moving weekend.
Why didn't anyone warn meeeee?

I'm trying to stay postive about this transition but in reality...
I'm tired you guys. I'm worn out. I'm sad. I don't want to leave my apartment. I love it here. It's cozy and it's home.
My mom says I could make any place feel like home. I'll keep you updated and let you know if she's right.*

and these are two things that I came across today that MUST immediately be shared.
+ the last image on this post by jamie.
+ in a blogging rut? not sure if blogging is even for you? read this post by kara. you'll thank me later.


*Derrr moms are always right.

happy love month.

It has taken me a few days to post this because (a) I've been busy but mostly because (b) I'm moving at the end of the month and it will take a lot of time and energy. So most of my goals will revolve around that. I've been rearranging and re-prioritizing some things. without further ado...

February Goals :
* purge all magazines - this has been on my list for awhile. I have a ton of magazines just wating to be ripped up, torn apart, & trashed.
* lose six pounds. this sounds easy enough. gym + healthy eating= I could do this.
* read two books - I've already read one.
* send five cards. (done! did you get one? :)
* host a crafty potluck. and host my friend Ali who is visiting for five days starting tomorrow! :)
* list : Every Place I've Ever Lived
* list : "10 Things I Would like to Do Every Day"
* and finally, M O V E!
this involves finding a place and signing for it (which thankfully is done), packing and purging everything, actual moving day, unpacking and re-creating a home for myself. I really dislike moving, so this is going to take some real chutzpah.

holycrapit'sthelastdayofjanuary.

Seriously? Where did the month go!!!

I actually feel really good about January. I challenged myself in a lot of ways, and I LOVE that I made a goal list for the month. This is definitely a project I could see myself continuing all year long, for a few reasons.

* It's fun to make goals.

* It's even funner (?) to keep goals.

* It makes the time pass slower. This is a tricky one. But honestly, I often found myself checking in, slowing down, and reviewing my goal list. Probably about once a day. Reminding myself of what I wanted, and what I had to do that day to achieve it. It wasn't easy, because there were times when I certainly would have rather napped or spent MONEY! But the more rewards I began to notice, the more things crossed off my list, the lower the credit card statement number, the easier it became.

So let's check in, shall we?



Here is my January to*do list!

* one new painting [I'm keeping this number low from now on. Quality, not quantity.] --done! but not yet blogged about.

* two books from my list --done! I read almost four. Little Bee, Look Again, The Giver, and I'm halfway through The Coldest Winter Ever. You can read my book reviews here.

* three new items listed in the shop [again, quality over quantity.] --I listed and relisted a bunch of agenda books, which are still available for free shipping if you're trying to get organized. I also listed the painting and print for my new Wizard Of Oz inspired painting that I shared on Saturday! :)
I also listed over eighty items in my virtual closet sale.

* four [once weekly] friend dates --yes! a lot more than four :) we all went to dinner, dancing, crafted, and just enjoyed one another's company.

* send five cards, letters, or thank you notes --done! easy peasy and it made me and them feel really good.

* pick & choose the top SIX craft fairs of the year and only vend at those [remember my resolution : simplify ?]  --done! not yet blogged about.

* lose eleven pounds --not done. I found myself wanting to rush through the other things on my list and procrastinating in other areas (ahem). But I did still exercise and eat healthy most of the time, so that's a good thing. I think I lost three pounds :)

* become an official RMHI --done! I completed my (huge) application to become a registered mental health intern (this is the name for a therapist between her masters program and licensure.)

* website redesign --done! Thanks to Leah. I can't get enough of that girl. Next step? Blog redesign with Amy. I won a free package from her awesome giveaway!

* find a great fulltimewithbenefits job --sort of done! I gained a lot more patients and hours at my current job, working almost every day. and I also picked up a weekend job working at the Flea Market!

* revamp closet [see resolution : style] --I totally cleared everything that I didn't wear on a very regular basis out of my closet and listed it in my new blog. It was amazingly freeing, and I plan on writing more about it in another post. But needless to say, my closet looks GOOD.

* work my way through my new book "Daring to Be Yourself" --I quickly realized that this isn't the kind of book you sit and read in one day. It's more of a textbook, I like to read it in excerpts and take bits and pieces from it when I need some style inspiration. So this won't be a monthly goal-- this will be more like an ongoing goal.

* take care of my car -- done! I had it completely checked out, cleaned, and replaced and fixed everything that needed replacing and fixing. My senior citizen baby runs like a dream.

* send birthday cards to all my January friends & family. -- done! I either called or sent a card.

* collect & attempt some crockpot recipes --lastly, the only one I didn't get to! I guess it fell least on my priorities list. I'll definitely get to it eventually.

I've also been reminding myself of my yearly resolutions and working towards those at the same time. Read about those here.


seriously... go me! I feel so proud and accomplished. I've already got February's list in the works, and I'll share it tomorrow.

I would love to hear how you're doing with your goals, and I hope to give you a litle inspiration with mine.

one more thing. I've been keeping an eye on my website counter to see when it hit 100,000 (this seems like such a large round number!) and I just checked and it's at 102,213! and probably only like half of those are my mom (har,har)
Sooo thanks for stopping by! :)

shhhh.....

Stolen from my friend Bekka's blog, I love this idea of sharing too much & not enough. Link me if you try it!

bold is for finished.
italic is for bucket-listed.
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1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars 
3. Played in a band (does rock band count?)
4. Visited Hawaii 
5. Watched a meteor shower 
6. Given more than you can afford to charity 
7. Been to Disney World 
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 
15. Adopted a child    
16. Had food poisoning   
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
(total new yorker.. how sad is this?)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (but I've overplayed total eclipse of the heart, my favorite song..)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (hey Wii home run derby!)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt   
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
51. Kissed in the rain
52. Played in the mud
53. Gone to a drive-in theater
54. Been in a movie
55. Visited the Great Wall of China
56. Started a business
57. Taken a martial arts class
58. Visited Russia
59. Served at a soup kitchen
60. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
61. Gone whale watching
62. Got flowers for no reason
63. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
64. Gone sky diving
65. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
66. Bounced a check (jk)
67. Flown in a helicopter
68. Saved a favorite childhood toy
69. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
70. Eaten Caviar
71.Pieced a quilt
72. Stood in Times Square
73. Toured the Everglades
74. Been fired from a job (a scrapbook store for "too much shopping on the job")
75. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
76. Broken a bone
77. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
78. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
79. Published a book
80. Visited the Vatican
81. Bought a brand new car
82. Walked in Jerusalem
83. Had your picture in the newspaper
84. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
85. Visited the White House
86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
87. Had chickenpox
88. Saved someone’s life
89. Sat on a jury
90. Met someone famous
91. Joined a book club
92. Got a tattoo
93. Had a baby
94. Seen the Alamo in person
95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
96. Been involved in a law suit
97. Owned a cell phone
98. Been stung by a bee
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All in all, I'd say I've done a fair amount for my short twenty four years. Most of the italicized items involve traveling, namely to France, so I guess I'll have to get on that. GO! :)

reader!

+via

I spent a good portion of the day clearing out my google reader. One of my favorite things about this time of year is cleaning out, starting new, feeling inspired for a fresh start in the new year.

Some good reasons for clearing out (and damn, it feelssogood) :

• T I M E.
  I subscribe to hundreds of blogs, and while inspiring, it's suuuuper time consuming to read through them all.
• M O N E Y.
  Seriously? I love you, Etsy and Fashion blogs, but you are way too enabling for my super strict 2011 budget.
• S T R E S S.
  Reading through blogs is supposed to be on the "leisure" list, but keeping up with so many of them has become super stressful.
• F R I E N D S.
  Now that I've cut out so many strangers from my feed, I have more time and energy to focus on my friends blogs who I actually know and love.
• P E R S O N A L.
  This sort of ties in all of the above. In a nutshell : less concerned with what's going on in cyberland, more concerned with what's going on at my own space of the internet. I think that cutting back on my blog reading will increase my blog writing and will result in a decrease in concern re: followers, comments, ugly comparisons, keeping up with the blog trends, etc. After 5+ years of blogging finding my voice still sometimes gets tough. do you struggle with this?

One thing that amazed me while attempting the merciless and hardcore process of deleting blogs from my feed was the amount of people who abandon their blogs. One day it's "...and the giveaway goes to" and the next day it's crickets and grasshoppers. I don't think I could ever just walk away from my blog. Click the red circle at the top of the screen and never return. I would feel like I was cutting out so many of my closest friends. What do you think? Have any of your favorite bloggers ever gone AWOL? Sad. I think I would at least post a final euligy. I mean, my blog has been like a friend to me for so many years. He's here when I want to share excting news. He's here when I need to vent. He never talks back. He's like the best boyfriend I always wanted. That's why HE is gender specified. ♥

jingle balls 2010

A couple of weeks ago, I took my sister and her friend to Jingle Ball (which my crazy family immediately dubbed "Jingle Balls".





It was mostly for the kids, but I had fun testing out my new lens which I totally had to lie and smuggle through security. We were in a skybox nowhere near the stage, so I couldn't get a lot of great shots. I thought you might enjoy seeing them anyway :)


Selena Gomez (wow little girls are obsessed with her)


Kim Kardashian


This was probably my favorite act! I loved "Marry Me." You must download it!


I'm pretty sure that's B.O.B.

Katy Perry. I thought she was really beautiful.


Adam Lambert. wow he's weird.



Enrique. and the lucky *@%!# he sang to all night.



Surprise.. Pitbull! My fave! He looked really short.



Flo Rida. He got naked.

donna's sewing bee

On Monday nights, Mom goes to a sewing class with her friends. Of course, I can't attend. It would be a long commute each Monday from Florida to NY. But this week, I got to spend my night in a supercute studio with these supercrafty ladies! Everyone worked on different projects.. check it out!


[my mom]


[my cousin Kelsey]


[Kelsey's ornaments]


[Kelsey's cupcakes. She's a real Martha!]


[cousin Lori]




[I totally want to make this!]


[busy bees]




[hand stitched by one of the ladies!]




[a peek at my project]


[me, hard at play.]







I've been wanting to make this bunting for a long while, and finally got around to it! I cut circles, probably about 2 inches in diameter, and decorated them with tiny pearls, rhinestones, and circes cut out of glitter paper. My project didn't quite fit in with the others, but that's what was fun about it!

resolve 2011 : challenge.

Resolution #5 : Challenge Myself.
Every day, every week, every month. Challenge myself to try something new, step out of my box.
-----

Some of my future monthly goals include:
* turn my blog into a book
* organize camera, films, and photos
* take a night class
* send five letters/cards a month
* take a photography workshop
* read 15 books and review them
* volunteer somewhere great
* crochet a blanket
* maintain an art journal
* blow up a favorite photo & hang it on the wall
*see sugarland in concert

I don't want to ruin them all in advance! But the best news is, I'll be sharing my goals, completed or not, here on the blog! Check back here on the first of every month. I sure love reading about people's goal lists (see this post here.)

resolve 2011 : simplify.

Resolution #5 : Simplify My Life & Just Say No.
This is pretty much an ongoing resolution, a constant item on the bucket list, if you will. It's more about what I won't do than what I will do.

It's also probably the most difficult challenge on the list, because it's the least measurable goal. You literally have to practice this resolution with each fleeting decision that you make. I've already begun trying.
-----
This year I realized that I have a huge problem with saying "no".
Not to drug offers or unwanted sexual advancements, but to commitments.
I tend to just agree when I'm asked to do something, donate time and products, writing guest articles, etc etc. It turns out that I'm so flattered and honored to be asked in the first place (the request usually begins with, "We think you are so fantastic and love your work blah blah") I feel guilty, unappreciative and well, bitchy, saying no.
NOW.
and this is important.
This is not to say that I will ignore any requests for giveaways, volunteer work, or collaborative projects. I'm just saying that I can't do it all. I have to limit myself. Be a little more picky and choosy. The goal is to go from saying yes to 100% of requests to around 50% of requests.
Just until they invent that cloning machine.

So this year, I'mma make like D.A.R.E. and "just say no".

resolve 2011 : health.

Resolution #4 : Feel and BE Healthy.
Was this a give-in? Probably.
Honestly, I make it a daily goal to try to make healthy choices. I eat my fruits&veggies, I work out, I sleep 8 hours, and I take good care in general.

But I could do better. And that's why Day 4 is all about health.
-----

Most important... physical exercise daily. This doesn't mean an hour and a half session at the gym nightly, because sometimes this just isn't feasible. It could mean yoga, zumba (holla!), or some one-on-one time with my Jillian Michaels Shred DVD. For some reason, I'm inclined to write "or a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood". But I've never done this before and probably never will. That just doesn't sound like exercise to me.

And of course, a physical exercise plan should always be followed by healthy eating. My goal is to cut out most processed foods (I've devoted a separate blog post to good food ideas and substitutions to the crap that we tend to put in our bodies.) and to do more cooking, especially since I got a new crockpot for Christmas! I would love for you to share any crockpot recipes you have on hand.

And for a better form of measuring, I'll be weighing myself weekly with a goal of losing five pounds. Then another five. And maybe another, until I feel totally healthy and satisfied.

resolve 2011 : moneymoneymoneyMONEY!

Resolution #3 : Create the road to financial freedom.
Oh, yeah... hello CHALLENGE!

You were waiting for this one, admit it.
-----

This resolution is three-fold!

One, completely pay off Visa bill. Self-explanatory. Pay a certain amount with each paycheck until it's paid off.

Two, create and stick to a a Student Loan debt payoff plan. You don't want to know how much debt I've accrued after seven years of college. Oh yeeeah I forgot it was totally worth it because three degrees later, I'm a hot commodity and the job offers are pouring in. (NOT!!)
What I meant to say was that I'll find a rich doctor in my field who will kindly offer to repay my student loans for me. (NOT x 10000!!!)
So yeah, I need a plan.

Three, find a well-paying job. Without it, well the first two aren't possible. C'mon, hiring lords. We can do this.

resolve 2011 : style

Resolution #2 : Create and Manage My Style.
This one is a little more of a challenge than yesterday's resolution. While I already have a "style", I would like to evolve and manage it effectively.

What does this mean?

It starts with creating a workable closet. Basically, this means purging what doesn't work, assessing what does work, and remixing items to maximize use. There is an amazing series going on right now by Kendi Everyday... very inspiring for those looking to revamp their own closets or style.

Next, I've ordered this book, Daring To Be Yourself. One of my very FAVORITE bloggers ever, Syd of the Daybook, wrote about finding her style through this book and of course I have to read it.

In evolving my style, I also plan on simplifying it. Confused? It shouldn't take longer than a minute to choose my outfit in the morning. By simplifying my style, I'm expanding my options of remixing what I already have.

Oh, and bookmarking fashion blogs, articles, clipping magazines, collecting style and outfit ideas and keeping a fashion journal? Check! I've been doing this for years.

Lastly, let's bring back Playing Dress*Up! Yay :)

resolve 2011 : creativity

Welcome to Resolutions Week at Creating Myself.
Read more about it here... I'm ready to get started!
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Resolution #1 : Do Something Creative Every Day.
I'm starting off with an easy one, since I already try to do this every day anyway. And also, it's fun.
This doesn't have to take too much time out of my day. The goal is not to make a book or a painting daily... it's just to do something.
Some simple ideas for fulfilling this goal... take a photograph. Crochet a granny square. Make a card. Write one sentence in a journal. Try a new recipe.

Another idea is to participate in the Art Journal Every Day challenge. It's a really low-key and low pressure challenge that my friend Julie is hosting. I won't be doing this in ADDITION to my daily creative thing, but it's just another option. Read about it here if you're interested in participating.
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Are you challenging yourself in 2011? Link me up.
See you tomorrow!

Resolve.

Whether you are a new reader or have been around since circa 2005, you are most likely aware of my obsession with goals. I like to make a daily goals list each morning (you may have heard of a "to-do list"?) I like to make a monthly goal list on the first of the month (read three books, go skydiving, etc) and it also appeases me to make a YEARLY goal list, aka...


(whoa, focal B&W made me look like I have two different colored legs!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

No seriously, New Years is probably my favorite holiday of the year. Not because of the crazy parties and 48-hour hangovers (because let's all admit it, partying on New Years Eve is always totally overrated). But because of the goals! The challenges! The fresh start!

I know what you're thinking. "But Amy, why can't you just start your diet today? Why must you wait for January 1st?" And the answer is, because it's cool.

I just love the idea of a whole new YEAR. For success. Inspiration. Clean slates. Forgiveness. First chances. Mess-ups. Second chances.

This year, I'm gon' celebrate. With a week full of resolutions. That's right. Why should I stop at one resolution? I'm going to up my chances of success seven-fold. You know, in case I forget about the first six by January 2nd.
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First, a little preface.
There are two types of goals that I will be addressing through my resolutions.

Broad goals will be written in black.
These are the types of goals & resolutions that are measurable only by the life changes they produce. Dreamin' big here, people.
Measurable goals will be written in red.
When psychologists write a treatment plan for a patient, we call these "objectives"... something we can use to tangibly measure progress.



The fun will last from December 26-January 1.
Join me, won't you ? :)

helloooo christmas break.

From now until January 4th, I'm officially on break! If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that I have big plans of doing nothing, watching bad TV, revamping my blog a little, doing some crafting, a little reading, goal planning, and more of doing nothing. Holla!

In other news, does anyone watch US of Tara? I'm not sure if it's because I'm a psychotherapist with a special interest in Dissociative Identity Disorder, or just because I have a general interest in psychology and multiple personalities, but I love it! It's funny, witty, and interesting with amazing acting. I've only seen season two, and it was fantastic. You should netflix it... I watched the whole season in one night.

I also think it's really inspired (Tara is an artist and so are some other characters), especially the graphics and the opening credits. Check it...











I've also been trying to get into Dexter, but I'm not getting the hype. How about you?

too personal?

When I met with Kara the other day, we had a really good chat. One of the things that we talked about that really resonated with me was how to blog “real”. Something I struggle with is being too personal on my blog. This spot started as a personal blog, back in 2005 (hey blogspot!). A spot to vent, an outlet for my creativity, a place that was ALL MINE. In fact, the name of my blog was “Creating Myself : unedited, uncensored, unscripted” I later dropped the subtitle and just left it at “Creating Myself”.

I think the main reason my blog became more professional, is because I did. My art became my business, and my customer base grew. I began handing out business cards at shows, with orders, and to stranger after stranger after stranger. It’s certainly become a spot for sharing new product, advertising sales, shows, etc.

While I love having my blog as a professional outlet, I really miss that personal outlet. A true effort will be put into bringing back the personal… unedited, uncensored, unscripted.

Amy



* I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you have trouble separating your personal & professional life? Do you blog personally? Do you enjoy personal blogs?

Do you enjoy reading personal anecdotes on a crafty blog (mine)?
	I love and look forward to them. Please post more personal stuff!
	I would rather see product updates and DIYs.
	I could give a shit.
* There are a lot of upcoming posts about personal topics, no matter the results of this poll. I'm just curious to hear your opinions!

things i'm excited about lately.

Libraries are the greatest. You could request pretty much any book or movie, have them hold it, and pick it up at your leisure. A service I've been taking much advantage of recently.


My best friend Kristen passed her social work licensing exam! These are the flowers I sent to wish her luck that morning.


I've been practicing making meatballs and gravy like my mom's. So far, so good!


I know this camera is last year's news, but I can't help it. I'm still so excited about it.


Turning off the air and opening all the windows to let the gorgeous Fall breeze through.


Date night with my girls... we were all dressed alike!


Skype date with my family. This was SO wonderful... I miss them! Gotta love technology.

xxo, Amy